The petition dated 5 February 1999 addressed to the Chairman of the

State Sangha Maha Nayaka Order by the Chairman of the National League

for Democracy is published for information.

START

" Revered Sayadaw.

I respectfully place these facts before you on behalf of the National

League for Democracy and the Central Executive Committee.

The reason for this petition relates to Kyakan Abbot, Chairman of the

Taungtha township Sangha Nayaka Order who on 30 December 1998 at 1600

hours summoned U Than Myint, Chairman of the NLD Township Organising

Committee through a personnel of the Immigration department.

I have been informed that on his arrival at the monastery, the Abbot

instructed U Than Myint to resign from his position as chairman and to

dissolve the township NLD and that if he did not comply he would face

grave consequences. This is not appropriate because it amounts to

interference through religious measures in political issues.

The National League for Democracy is a legally constituted political

body whose objective is to work for the good of the country. It

rightfully claims to be the people's political party by virtue of the

fact that the vast majority of the people ( who incidentally are the

donors of the four essential requirements of the clergy) voted for NLD

candidates as their representatives in the 1990 General Elections.

Moreover, we respectfully reiterate that the NLD is not a political

party that "uses religion for political gain" which is a prohibition

embodied in the law. Similarly, honourable members of the Sangha should

practice the precepts pertaining to politics as prescribed by the Lord

Buddha in the Scriptures.

I respectfully entreat you to judge whether the political activities of

the Taungtha township Sayadaw is appropriate as prescribed in the

Scriptures and to admonish him accordingly. I respectfully submit that

in your esteemed position as Chairman Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha

Nayaka Order, you instruct and admonish the Sangha Nayaka Sayadaw at all

levels (State, Division, Township) to behave and obey the precepts and

discipline prescribed in the Scriptures to prevent any untoward

happenings in the future. Up to date I have made submissions in respect

of Sinbaungwei and Yesagyo townships in Magwe Division.

I pray that your reverend person and all the Sayadaws enjoy health and

happiness both in mind and body and may the gospel preached by our Lord

Buddha spread far and wide to benefit all mankind."

END

Central Executive Committee

National League for Democracy

Rangoon

9 February 1999